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Executive Search

Executive Search is the direct search for leaders and rare experts for key positions: project directors, plant managers, chief engineers, finance and HR directors. Unlike conventional recruitment, headhunting does not rely on inbound applications:

FSSA maps the market, approaches target candidates selectively — including successful specialists who are not looking — and confidentially guides the negotiations through to the start of employment. Every candidate undergoes an in-depth assessment: management experience, results on previous projects, references and motivation. Confidentiality is maintained on both sides — for the client company and for the candidate.

Executive search from FSSA is access to leaders in Kazakhstan's oil‑and‑gas, construction and industrial sectors who cannot be found through an open search.

Which positions

General and executive directors, heads of branches and representative offices.
Project directors, production directors and chief engineers.
Finance, commercial and HR directors.
Heads of health, safety and environment (HSE).
Rare technical experts of whom there are only a handful on the market.

What the service includes

A briefing with the owner or chief executive: the role's objectives, business context, team and expected results for the first year.
A position profile and market map: the companies where suitable executives work and the target candidates within them.
A direct and confidential approach to candidates, including those who are not looking for a job.
In-depth assessment: interviews on leadership competencies, verification of results on past projects, references.
A report on each finalist: experience, strengths, risks, motivation and expectations.
Support during negotiations and the offer, including help with a counter‑offer from the current employer.
Contact with the client and the executive during onboarding.

How we work

Briefing. We discuss the role's objectives, candidate requirements and conditions with you.
Market map. We compile a list of source companies and target candidates and agree it with the client.
Direct search. We approach candidates confidentially, hold first conversations and gauge their interest.
Assessment and references. We run in-depth interviews, verify results and collect feedback.
Offer and start. We support the negotiations, help agree terms and stay in touch after the executive starts.

Confidentiality

An executive search often cannot be run openly: a company may be looking for a replacement for a sitting director or entering a new market. FSSA does not advertise the vacancy and reveals the client's name only to candidates who have passed initial screening. Candidates' details are not shared without their consent either — confidentiality works both ways.

Why FSSA

Executive Search is one of the agency's first lines of business: as early as 2008 FSSA completed 23 top-management search assignments. Years of work on oil-and-gas, construction and industrial projects in Kazakhstan have given the agency contacts with the industry's managers, and its presence in the United Kingdom helps it reach specialists working abroad. For mid‑level positions, standard recruitment is the right fit.

Frequently asked questions

How is Executive Search different from standard recruitment?

Standard recruitment relies largely on applications and the CV database. Executive Search is direct search: the consultant maps the market and approaches executives who are usually successfully employed and not looking for a job. Candidates are assessed in more depth: leadership competencies, results and references.

How is the confidentiality of the search ensured?

The vacancy is not advertised, the company's name is revealed only to candidates who have passed initial screening, and candidates' details are not shared without their consent.

Can you find an executive abroad?

Yes. The agency searches for executives and experts both in Kazakhstan and beyond, including specialists working abroad. FSSA has a presence in the United Kingdom, and the employment of foreign specialists can be arranged through a related service.

How much does Executive Search cost?

The cost is calculated individually and depends on the level of the position, the complexity of the search and the geography. The terms are set out in the contract before work begins.

Need staff

Staff recruitment
request

Describe the specialists you need — an FSSA recruiter will contact you and source staff for your tasks. Recruitment, outstaffing, foreign workforce and HR support.

Your request goes directly to FSSA managers. Average response time — within the business day.